Promatecme to run 2005 Car for Curnow (8 Mar 05)

Front running Formula 3 outfit Promatecme has made a late decision to expand into Formula BMW this season to run a single car for Ross Curnow.

Curnow had planned to compete with Soper Sport this year but following an acquisition of the race preparation facility used by the team, its future Formula BMW plans became uncertain. Curnow was approached by a number of teams about a possible drive before Promatecme came forward. The deal with them brings a third top F3 name into the one-make championship, joining Carlin and Fortec.

The team has notched up 22 race wins in Formula 3 and has nurtured the talents of Jensen Button and Andy Priaulx. Priaulx, who won last year’s European Touring Car Championship for BMW, coached Curnow throughout his 2004 season.

Promatecme boss, Chris Weller said: “I’ve always been interested in FBMW so when Ross had a problem, I said that if we could do something, we would.” Weller has tracked Curnow’s career since his early karting days and the link may lead to a switch to Formula 3 for 2006. “We’ll try to sort out a test for the end of the year and hopefully, Formula 3 will be part of the deal for Ross. I think he’s a very good driver.”

Steve Soper, who owns the car which will be driven by Ross, will continue to act as Ross’s mentor and guide his career and the team will be known as Promatecme/.Soper Sport.

Ross was delighted with the news: “Chris has always taken an interest in me and I’m thrilled that we’ve managed to secure this deal. The Formula 3 link obviously has huge attractions for me for the longer term.”

Ross’s first test with the team will be at Oulton Park on 11^th and 12^th March. Returning to the UK after a 4 day fitness course with BMW in Germany, Ross said: “Oulton Park will be very much of a shakedown test for the new team but I’m very excited about our prospects for this year.”

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